Astro, the lovable and loyal canine companion, is The Jetson’s pet dog. Don Messick voiced him and is known for his iconic lisp.
Produced by Hanna-Barbera, “The Jetsons” is set in a futuristic world and follows the lives of George Jetson and his family, which includes his wife Jane, their children Judy and Elroy, and their robot maid Rosie.
Astro, who can speak in a rough voice and often confuses his Rs and Ls, is a Great Dane-like dog and is a central character in the series, often providing comic relief with his antics and interactions with the family.
About Astro
Astro, from “The Jetsons,” has played a pivotal role in the progression of animated TV dogs:
- Introduced in 1962, he was a part of the futuristic Jetsons family.
- Unlike peers like Huckleberry Hound and Snoopy, Astro displayed advanced human-like characteristics.
- His speech, albeit with an impediment, set him apart.
- Astro can be seen as a transitional figure, linking earlier simplistic cartoon dogs to later complex ones, such as Scooby-Doo and Brian from “Family Guy.”
Interesting Facts
Astro’s backstory and linguistic prowess are fascinating:
- Originally named Tralfaz, he was the dog of millionaire G.P. Gottrockets.
- Dissatisfied with his luxurious life, he was drawn to a simpler existence after seeing Elroy in a park.
- Even after being retrieved by Gottrockets, he yearned for the Jetsons. He eventually found his way back to them.
Unique language traits:
- Not just any Space Age dog, Astro masters speech with a twist.
- He’s known for his “R” quirk: “I love you, George” turns into “Ri rove roo, Reorge.”
- Beyond human language, he interprets other dogs’ barks.
- Acting as a bridge between humans and canines, he’s a true doggie diplomat. Truly, a ruff-olutionary talent!
Astro’s Antics
Astro dives into zero-gravity antics, producing sheer comedy. He chases his tail and drifts in pursuit of his beloved bone, making us laugh with his space-age home blunders.
In a memorable episode, George mistakenly gives Astro his anti-gravity pill instead of his own medicine. George then floats uncontrollably, and Astro humorously watches, teasing his owner’s newfound “light-headedness.”
Yet, when Astro accidentally consumes George’s medicine, he finds himself grounded, showing that even the smartest dogs have their “ruff” moments.
Astro and George Jetson
The relationship between Astro and George Jetson is a heartwarming testament to the deep bond shared between man and dog:
- Despite occasional disagreements due to Astro’s mischief or George’s stubborn nature, their bromance remains strong.
- In one instance:
- Astro accidentally swallows a valuable diamond necklace.
- George amusingly follows Astro with a scooper, waiting for nature to take its course.
- George’s dedication is further evident when:
- He addresses Astro’s acrophobia by consulting a “dog psychiatrist,” showing profound care and commitment to his furry friend.
The Irresistible Charm of Astro’s Lisp
Astro captivates fans worldwide with his endearing lisp, a charming aspect of his character. Don Messick, the talented voice actor, imbues Astro’s speech impediment with an additional layer of appeal, amplifying his lovable personality. Messick’s iconic performance lends Astro a unique voice and a relatable vulnerability.
Astro’s lisp has gained such fame that it frequently appears in parodies or references throughout pop culture. For example, in “Family Guy,” Brian imitates Astro’s lisp to tease Stewie about his temporary speech impediment.
This demonstrates the extent of Astro’s influence on the animation world, as his lisp transcends the Jetsons’ universe and becomes a beloved symbol for cartoon dogs everywhere.
Astro (Jetsons) – Voice Comparisons
What kind of dog is Astro?
Astro is a fictional breed called a “Great Dane-like dog” with a mix of human-like qualities.
Who provided the voice for Astro?
The talented actor Don Messick lent his voice to Astro, giving the character its endearing lisp and personality.
In which year did Astro make his first appearance in The Jetsons?
Astro made his debut on The Jetsons in 1962.
Who are Astro’s owners in the show?
Astro belongs to the Jetson family, specifically Elroy Jetson, but he also considers himself George Jetson’s self-appointed best friend.
Can Astro talk?
Yes, Astro can talk, although with a lisp and a unique way of pronouncing “R” sounds as “W.”
What are some of Astro’s most memorable episodes or moments?
Some memorable moments include Astro swallowing a valuable diamond necklace, George taking Astro to a dog psychiatrist, and their heartwarming bromance that showcases the bond between man and dog.
Has Astro made any appearances outside of The Jetsons series?
Astro’s lisp and character have been referenced and parodied in other shows and pop culture, such as in Family Guy when Brian mimics Astro’s lisp.